Comparison Console
Leatherman Curl vs Leatherman Wave (2004)
EDC Multitools comparison. Compare price, weight, specifications, materials, and real-world use case.
Command Brief
Recommended read
Leatherman Curl stands out as the lightest option for weight, with about a 5% gap from the closest alternative. Leatherman Curl stands out as the cheapest option for retail price, with about a 31% gap from the closest alternative. Leatherman Wave (2004) stands out as the most tools option for tool count, with about a 13% gap from the closest alternative.
Decision Signals
What stands out
Leatherman Curl stands out as the cheapest option for retail price, with about a 31% gap from the closest alternative.
Leatherman Wave (2004) stands out as the most expensive option for retail price, with about a 45% gap from the closest alternative.
Leatherman Curl stands out as the lightest option for weight, with about a 5% gap from the closest alternative.
Leatherman Wave (2004) stands out as the heaviest option for weight, with about a 6% gap from the closest alternative.
Leatherman Curl stands out as the fewest tools option for tool count, with about a 12% gap from the closest alternative.
Leatherman Wave (2004) stands out as the most tools option for tool count, with about a 13% gap from the closest alternative.
Leatherman Wave (2004) stands out as the shortest option for open length, with about a 4% gap from the closest alternative.
Leatherman Curl stands out as the longest option for open length, with about a 4% gap from the closest alternative.
Specification Profile
Relative dimensions at a glance
Each axis is normalized against the largest raw value among the products in this comparison. Farther outward means a larger value, not necessarily a better result. Axes with an unverified value are omitted.
Price & carry
Retail price
US$89.95Cheapest
US$130Most expensive
Weight
212 g (7.48 oz)Lightest
224 g (7.90 oz)Heaviest
Closed length
102 mm (4.02 in)
102 mm (4.02 in)
Open length
165 mm (6.50 in)Longest
158 mm (6.22 in)Shortest
Dimensions
Width
Unknown
36 mm (1.42 in)
Thickness
15 mm (0.59 in)Thinnest
20 mm (0.79 in)Thickest
Tools
Tool count
15Fewest tools
17Most tools
Tools
Needlenose pliersRegular pliersHard wire cuttersWire cuttersWire stripper420HC stainless steel knife (locking)Large screwdriver bit (Phillips/slotted)Scissors w/ spring actionDiamond-coated file (locking)Can openerBottle openerAwl with thread loopRuler (8-inch/19 cm)Wood/metal file (same as diamond-coated file, opposite face)Medium screwdriver
Pliers with Wire Cutters (needlenose & regular)Wire CuttersLarge Locking BladeSerrated BladeWood SawMetal SawFile with Diamond FileCan OpenerBottle OpenerScissorsBit DriverSmall Bit DriverMedium ScrewdriverPhillips ScrewdriverHard Wire CutterWire StripperSpring Action Scissors
Plier type
Combination pliers
Needle-nose and Regular Pliers
One-hand opening
Yes
Yes
Pocket clip
Yes
Yes
Sheath included
Yes
Yes
Use case profile
Best for
Everyday carryBeginners looking for an affordable multi-toolUsers wanting outside-accessible knife and file tools
TradespersonsEveryday carry with strong tool versatilityOutdoor and farm use
Common praise
Affordable for first-time usersOutside-accessible knife blade and fileLightweight and thin designIncludes a large bit driver compatible with Leatherman bitsComes with sheath and pocket clip
Versatile set of 17 integrated tools covering many needsComfortable handles and outside accessible toolsStrong and precise pliers and wire cuttersLocking mechanisms on outside tools for safety
Common complaints
Lacks fully locking tools on many implementsMissing serrated blade and wood saw compared to WaveNon-replaceable wire cutter bladesOnly two outside-accessible tools compared to four on higher-end models
Blade steel is basic 420HC with average edge retentionScissors on 2004 model changed to smaller design that some users find less safeHeavier than some other EDC options